East Riding College apprentices win regional awards

Two East Riding College students have won regional apprentice awards from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).Luke Burton, 18, from Dolly’s Autos of Driffield, won the leading first year apprentice award and James Paton, 20, from SHAWS motor engineers of Driffield, won the leading third year apprentice award in the IMI's Hull and District Member Association Apprentice Awards.

Luke won the award for his hard work and dedication to the course and his early completion of all his course work. He said: “I am very proud to have received this award and would like to thank my workplace and college tutor for their support with my Apprenticeship.”

James won the award for completing his coursework within the first year of the two-year qualification and successfully going on to pass his MOT exam to become a tester. James said: “I’ve always enjoyed coming to college and have learnt a lot since starting the Apprenticeship. “The knowledge and experience I have gained from both my work colleagues and my tutor have enabled me to progress within the industry to where I am today.”

Their tutor at the College, Glenn Jensen, said: “Luke and James are excellent apprentices who are a credit to themselves and their employers, and they thoroughly deserve these awards. “Both are great examples of how an Apprenticeship allows you to develop skills at work and the knowledge to complement it at College, and become a real asset to your company.”

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular way of improving the skills and knowledge of employees and are being promoted by the government as one of the ways to achieve the skill levels needed so the UK economy can grow stronger. They typically involve the employee spending four days a week at work, developing their practical skills, and one day a week at college, learning the accompanying theory. They are available at levels two, three and four which are the equivalents to GCSEs, A-levels and the first year of a degree, respectively, and in the full range of subject areas.

For more information about apprenticeships at East Riding College, visit www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships or call 0845 120 0037.

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Notes to editors

For more information about this press release, call Matthew Croshaw, marketing and communications manager, on 01482 306612 or email matthew.croshaw@eastridingcollege.ac.uk